Ponty start title defence

Pontypridd and Bedwas produced plenty of tries when they met last season

Pontypridd start the defence of their Premiership crown with a home tie against Bedwas on Saturday.

We're at the top of the ladder and there'll be people looking to chop us down

In the corresponding fixture last year, Pontypridd enjoyed a high scoring 55-27 win. The league double was completed towards the end of the campaign in another free flowing encounter at the Bridge Field which Pontypridd won by 26-48.

With three league games to be played within seven days - a home tie against Bridgend on Wednesday evening and an away trip to Cross Keys on Saturday to follow, Pontypridd are already rotating their team allowing players rest and recovery.

Ten changes are made from the line-up that started the British & Irish Cup qualifier against Cardiff with competitive debuts given to centre Aled Summerhill, lock Lee Williams and flanker Luke Crocker.

"We've a strong side out on Saturday given Bedwas' success from last year," said Pontypridd head coach Dale McIntosh.

"Dai Flanagan gets his first start of the season as well Alex Webber on the wing who seems to be exciting the crowd.

"We're at the top of the ladder and there'll be people looking to chop us down. We understand that from the magnitude of our success but if we're honest with ourselves then we should be there or there abouts."

Bedwas make the short trip to Sardis Road with a number of changes themselves.

Behind the scrum only Stuart Thomas, Scott Williams, Richard Powell and Rhys Downes retain their places with Will Harries on permit from the Dragons making his Bedwas debut on the right wing. Liam Gadd takes over at outside centre in place of Harley Thomson and Steve Cullen makes his debut on the left wing in place of Elliot Jones.

Up front, head coach Steve Law shuffles his front row options with Matt Pettit starting at tight head prop, Elliot Dee returns from injury to take over at hooker and Aaron Coundley comes in at loose head prop.

The Wales squad met back up this morning to prepare for the clash against England - WRU TV caught up with Neil Jenkins who said the squad were under no illusions for their next task but a trip to Twickenham doesn't hold any fears for a confident Wales side.

Wales hooker Ken Owens was delighted to get the NatWest 6 Nations off to a flying start with a convincing win against Scotland, where he says the squad were determined to deliver a performance 'from minute one.'

Welsh referee Nigel Owens will create history in the opening round of the NatWest 6 Nations clash at Stade de France where France face Ireland, when he surpasses the previous record of 17 Six Nations matches held by Alain Rolland and Jonathan Kaplan, as WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie discovers

Just two days until the NatWest 6 Nations kicks off. George North takes WRU TV around the players area at Principality Stadium after going through security - which fans will have to do on Saturday. Gates open at 11.15 - don't leave it late!

Next in the series of #TheTeamRoom we listen in to the first leadership group in camp. The players were asked to nominate their peers who they wanted to represent them on the group and we hear what Warren and the players have to say.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland was in a positive frame of mind at today's NatWest 6 Nations launch but admitted the opening clash in Cardiff was a 'massive' game as everyone is talking about the rise of Scotland.